Head-to-Head Comparison
Syracuse University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Syracuse Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 13
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,354 vs Syracuse University's $38,793, University of Wisconsin-Madison delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Wisconsin-Madison's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Syracuse
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $21,439 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,484, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #27
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Syracuse graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (13% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Syracuse University over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Syracuse University. Net price $17,354 vs $38,793.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Syracuse University. THE World Rank #27 vs #177.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Syracuse University. 89% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Syracuse University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Wisconsin-Madison wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,375 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Wisconsin-Madison sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $21,439 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison also borrow less: median debt of $20,484, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $85,756 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Syracuse University graduates report median earnings of $79,164, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Wisconsin-Madison has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Wisconsin-Madison sits higher, at #27 versus #177.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Syracuse University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Wisconsin-Madison saves about $21,439 a year, yet Syracuse University graduates earn $5,372 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks higher globally (#27 vs #177), but Syracuse University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Syracuse University concentrates enrollment in Communications, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Syracuse University's 15,477.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Wisconsin-Madison is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Syracuse's top program is Sociology (13% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Syracuse University is strongest in Communications, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Syracuse University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Syracuse University or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn more: median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Syracuse University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 82%.
Should you choose Syracuse University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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